As a marketing agency, our team lives for moments that make us say, “Wow, they nailed it!”. Holiday ads are no exception. There’s something about the combination of nostalgia, joy, and emotional storytelling that makes these campaigns unforgettable and effective. From a penguin and octopus to Mean Girls and neighbors falling in love, here’s a roundup of our team’s favorite old and new holiday campaigns. Spoiler: They’re guaranteed to inspire you and maybe even make you tear up.

John Lewis: Monty the Penguin

Let’s kick things off with a classic. The UK’s John Lewis has a way of tugging at heartstrings like no other, and Monty the Penguin was no exception. This sentimental ad brought imagination to life, following a little boy and his penguin friend through the season of giving.

The genius here? John Lewis tapped into our inner child, reminding us of the magic of Christmas through a beautifully crafted story filled with activities we cherish, like sledding, decorating a Christmas tree, and movie nights with the family. Instead of selling a product, John Lewis strategically focused on selling moments, the kind of gift that withstands the test of time.

Why it works:

• Called for deep emotional resonance.
• Seamlessly tied back to the brand’s mission of creating a happier world.
• Included complimentary in-store experiences (e.g., Monty plush toys) that extended the magic into shoppers’ homes.

Google: Santa Tracker

Combining nostalgia with a tech twist, Google’s Santa Tracker is the ultimate interactive holiday experience. Beyond just tracking Santa, the site offers games, activities, and even educational content, blending holiday cheer with engagement.

Inspired by NORAD’s tracker, Google elevated it with sleek design and tech-savvy features. Plus, it was an amazing opportunity for families to learn, play, and countdown to Christmas together, all while keeping Google top-of-mind during the holidays.

Why it works:

• Leveraged the nostalgia of NORAD’s tracker and modernized it for a digital audience.
• Created a multi-touchpoint experience that kept users engaged through the Santa tracker, games, and charity information.
• Reinforced Google’s brand as innovative and family-friendly.

Publix: Home for the Holidays

Publix knows how to warm hearts. Their Home for the Holidays commercials are leaders in emotional storytelling. Beautifully shot and centered around the idea that food brings people together, these ads show the true meaning of family during the holidays.

Whether it’s a mother welcoming her grown child home or a family baking together, Publix’s ads resonate deeply with viewers. The result? A strengthened association between the brand and the comfort of the holiday season.

While it is an oldie from 2008, one of our favorite commercials from Publix’s Home for the Holidays is their Holiday Surprise commercial.

Why it works:

• Strong emotional appeal that connected with family values.
• Perfectly aligned with the brand’s core product: food as a centerpiece for memories.
• Beautiful visuals that felt cinematic and authentic.

Hobby Lobby: Christmas Is What You Make It

If there’s one brand that lives and breathes creativity, it’s Hobby Lobby. Their Christmas Is What You Make It campaign has become an annual tradition, encouraging viewers to embrace the joy of crafting and decorating to connect with others. Each year, Hobby Lobby delivers heartwarming commercials that subtly highlight their extensive and affordable selection of Christmas decor, DIY kits, and crafting supplies.

One of our all-time favorites is the Neighbors commercial, which captures the spirit of caring for your community during the holidays and a simple love story. With its touching storyline and message of love, it reminds us that Christmas isn’t just about what you buy—it’s about the moments and connections you create. And really, who doesn’t love a cute Christmas love story?

Why it works:

• Tapped into the universal appeal of creativity and togetherness.
• Reinforced their position as the go-to store for DIY enthusiasts.
• Supported the campaign with video tutorials and how-to guides, extending its reach.

Barbour: Collaboration with Shaun the Sheep

Who doesn’t love a little stop-motion magic? Barbour’s partnership with Shaun the Sheep was clever, funny, and adorable. Without needing words, they conveyed their message of gifting warmth this winter— literally and figuratively.

By pairing classic British humor with nostalgic animation, Barbour not only celebrated the holiday spirit but also reinforced their brand’s heritage and coziness.

Why it works:

• Simple storytelling that transcended language barriers.
• Tied their products (warm winter jackets) seamlessly into the plot.
• Used a beloved character to connect with audiences of all ages.

Walmart: Mean Girls Black Friday

On Wednesdays, they wear pink—and in November 2023, Walmart’s Black Friday deals started on Wednesdays too! Walmart brilliantly capitalized on the buzz around the new Mean Girls movie released in January 2024 by bringing back beloved characters from the original film. This campaign combined nostalgia with savvy product placement, cleverly tying in the classic with something fresh. 

From the iconic “Jingle Bell Rock” performance at the talent show to the classic “Burn Book” moments, Walmart’s ad reminded millennials why they love the holidays—and shopping. It also cleverly positioned the brand as a go-to for unbeatable deals, all while giving us a fun, cinematic holiday moment.

Why it works:

• Played on cultural nostalgia to capture millennial attention.
• Seamlessly incorporated product placement into storytelling, like Levi Strauss & Co., Roku TVs, and even Squishmallows.
• Reinforced the key selling point: Black Friday starts early at Walmart.

Disney: The Boy & The Octopus

Disney has mastered the art of pulling at heartstrings, and this season’s The Boy & The Octopus holiday short was no exception. Using The Little Mermaid’s iconic songs and clever nods to Toy Story, Star Wars, Finding Nemo, and numerous Disney favorites, the ad highlighted the magic of unexpected friendships and their key messaging of the greatest journeys starting with a dream.

Even better? In the EMEA region, the campaign supported Make-A-Wish International, reminding us all of the true spirit of the season: giving back.

Why it works:

• Nostalgic for adults and enchanting for kids—a perfect mix.
• Tied Disney products into a timeless, emotional story.
• Supported a meaningful cause, aligning the brand with goodwill and generosity.

Inspiring Campaigns, Timeless Lessons

From heartfelt stories to tech-savvy innovations, holiday campaigns remind us that great marketing is about more than selling; it’s about connection. Whether it’s through nostalgia, creativity, or emotional storytelling, each of these ads found a way to bring the magic of the holidays to life.

As we gear up for another season, let these campaigns inspire you to think big, dream boldly, and, most importantly, connect with your audience on a deeper level. After all, isn’t that what the holidays are all about?